The distinction between the sizes and the way they’re measured

Blue crabs are extremely wanted. Regardless that these crabs could be discovered up and down the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, probably the most prized are discovered within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

However…I do know what you’re considering… ‘That’s all well-and-good, Patterson. However what does the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, or watershed should do with this “Jimmy”? Higher but, what, or who, is “Sook”?’  I do know, I do know. The Chesapeake Bay crabbing neighborhood has some distinctive names related to their crabs. And, no, these names will not be some reference to ‘individuals’ or ‘locations’. These are phrases related to the crab sizes.

How Crabs Develop

As a crab matures, they’ll incessantly shed their smaller shells (outer coverings) to make room for his or her bigger, rising our bodies. This molting happens throughout the hotter months, which frequently coincides with the height season. That is when crabs are usually at their largest and excellent for harvesting.

How Crabs are Measured for Harvest

Blue crabs will not be measured by weight, they’re measured by measurement. Blue crabs have a singular wanting high shell, their carapace. The carapace is broad on the heart, coming to 2 sharp factors on the sides. It’s at these factors (additionally known as ‘ideas’) that blue crabs are sized to find out whether or not they meet the necessities for harvest and as to what sizing class they’ll be grouped.

All male crabs harvested from the Chesapeake Bay should be, on the very minimal, 5-inches from level to level. Feminine crabs have just a few further guidelines connected (I’ll get to that in a bit bit) however, usually, feminine crabs are harvested at 4 1/2-inches from level to level.

Crabbers use a gauge to measure crabs proper out of the crab pot, proper there on the boat. This gauge, nearly like a notched ruler, is marked for straightforward assessing. Smaller crabs are launched (to develop larger and make extra crabs) and harvested crabs are sorted by measurement.

Jimmies, Sooks and Sallys

Right here’s the place we get into all of the enjoyable names and phrases. However, belief me, after this transient intro, you’ll be sizing crabs like a champ.

#1 Males or Jimmies

These are the phrases used to outline giant blue crabs. These crabs vary from 5 1/2-6 1/4 inches  from level to level.

Jumbo Jimmies

These are the additional giant (XL) male crabs, coming in at 6 1/4+ inches from level to level. Large boys.

#2 Males

These are the usual sized male crabs. These crabs vary from 5-5 1/2 inches from level to level.

Sallys

All crabs could be recognized by the sample on their underside shell. Male crabs have a pointed sample (we name it the Washington Monument-looks quite a bit prefer it), females have a triangular sample (crabbers name it the ‘apron’). Sallys are immature feminine crabs. Their aprons are way more triangular and lighter in coloration. Sallys should be 5-inches from level to level as a way to be harvested.

Sooks

Sooks are mature feminine crabs. Their apron is way more rounded and darker in coloration than the immature Sallys. Sooks don’t have a registered measurement however most crabbers harvest Sooks at 4 1/2 inches.

Giant Feminine

These crabs could be both Sooks or Sallys. However, as a way to be known as ‘giant’ they should be over 5 1/2 inches from level to level.

Normal Feminine

Just like the #2 Males, these are feminine crabs that vary from 4 1/2-5 1/2  inches from level to level. These additionally generally is a combination of Sooks or Sallys.

Sponge Crab

These feminine crabs are prohibited from harvesting. They’re known as ‘sponge crabs’ due to the gentle, spongy egg sack connected to their aprons. Crabbers (novice to skilled) know to softly return these women again to the water as they’re within the course of of creating extra crabs. The true queens of the Bay.

Decide a Crab, Any Crab

Right here at Cameron’s Seafood, we like to provide the individuals the blue crabs they crave. Whether or not that’s Sooks, Sallys, or Jimmies, we now have you coated. Head on over to our on-line store to take a look at our blue crabby catalog. We provide a few of the best crabs harvest from the Bay, all True Blue licensed, caught, steamed and shipped the identical day!